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Changes to Companies House – What business owners and directors need to know
April 15, 2025
As part of the reforms, Companies House has even greater enforcement powers and it’s therefore more important than ever to comply with your obligations.
The changes are being phased in over time. Our corporate law expert, Georgina, highlights the key updates and current timetable and showcases how businesses can best prepare for the upcoming changes.
As of Spring 2025, all directors, PSCs (persons with significant control), shareholders (for new companies) as well as anyone who files for the Company such as a company secretary are now required to verify their identity. You can do this directly online or through an Authorised Corporate Services Provider (ACSP).
To verify your identity online you’ll need one of the following types of photo ID:
If you do not have any of the above documents, but live in the UK then you can verify your ID at the Post Office, or use an ACSP. You will need to provide at least two original identification documents to the ACSP, and they will give you a list of what forms of ID will be acceptable to them. They will then liaise with Companies House on your behalf to complete the ID verification.
Companies House now has broader powers to reject or challenge names that are too similar to existing names, misleading, offensive, or imply a link with the UK government or public authorities.
Before submitting a name, make sure it complies with the updated rules to avoid delays. Ensure you respond promptly to any queries raised by Companies House or any request by them to change your company name – it will be an offence to continue trading under a name which you have been directed to change.
All companies must now have an “appropriate” registered office address – one where documents can be received and acknowledged. PO boxes are no longer allowed.
You must also provide a registered email address for communication with Companies House. This won’t be made public, but it is mandatory. Companies without a valid address risk being struck off. The email address must be given on incorporation for new companies, and when the confirmation statement is filed for companies already on the register
In the future, the expectation is that small and micro-entities will need to submit their profit and loss account and a directors’ report. It will no longer be possible to file abridged accounts. This move is aimed at increasing transparency and making more financial information available on the public register.
Companies House can now question or reject filings if they seem suspicious, inconsistent, or inaccurate. They may also annotate your company’s record or share concerns with other government bodies.
It is important to respond promptly and in time with any deadlines set down by Companies House, as failure to respond to a formal notice could result in:
What You Should Do Now
If you have not already done so:
By getting ahead of the changes, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays or penalties and stay fully compliant with Companies House. If you require any assistance, please contact our corporate experts using the contact form or on 02920 829 100 to see how we can help.
To speak to one of our experts today, please contact us on 02920 829 100 or by using our Contact Us form for a free initial chat to see how we can help.
